Paul Hobbs, founder of Paul Hobbs Winery, and Richard Magnuson, of GI Partners, have announced the purchase of the 90-acre Tourmaline Vineyard located in Napa Valley's new Coombsville AVA. Read More ==>

Liberty School will introduce a new package design this fall. Liberty School was founded nearly 40 years ago and is owned by Hope Family Wines of Paso Robles, California. President and winemaker Austin Hope enlisted designer Jeffrey Caldewey of ICON Design Group to create the packaging
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Drawing on its extensive vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Paso Robles, Robert Mondavi Private Selection has returned to its roots by reintroducing the "Central Coast" appellation designation to its wines.
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Governor Bob McDonnell has announced that a newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia's burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars—or $747 million—annually to Virginia's economy, an increase of 106 percent over the figures from the last economic impact study conducted in 2005. All major economic drivers examined in the comprehensive study showed significant double-digit percentage growth. Read More ==>

California's complex water issues will get a comprehensive review at the Sixth Annual Sustainable Ag Expo, set for November 15~16 in Monterey at the Embassy Suites. Registration is now open, with early registration discounts at http://bit.ly/aA70ml. The schedule outlining planned sessions is available at www.vineyardteam.org/events/schedule.php, where additional information on the speakers and trade show can also be found. Read More ==>

Lancaster Estate Winery and Roth Winery have established new partnerships with distributors in several Western states, bringing renewed focus to the Sonoma County-based winery located in the southern hillsides of the Alexander Valley, known for exceptional Bordeaux varieties, outstanding Sauvignon Blanc and distinctive Bordeaux-styled red table wines.
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Bennett Lane Winery owners Randy and Lisa Lynch have announced that Grant Hermann has been promoted to winemaker. He first joined Bennett Lane in 2005 as Cellar Master. In line with Randy and Lisa Lynch's winemaking philosophy, Grant's focus at Bennett Lane is to produce well-endowed, handcrafted wines from uncompromised vineyard sources-be it the Lynches' own estate vineyard in Calistoga or a select parcel in Oakville. Read More ==>

The Consorzi Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano have announced a new U.S. education initiative entitled The Tuscan Wine Masters Academy. This program is the second major U.S. initiative of the ongoing Italian Wine Masters program launched in February 2010, and comprises a dedicated wine certification program designed specifically for members of the wine trade. Read More ==>

Toasted Head was launched in 1997 by R.H. Phillips owner John Giguiere. Tasting through the 1995 Chardonnay barrel lots, he believed the winery had a reserve-style quality in the making. Reluctant to abuse the "reserve" description, he searched for a name that would distinguish the wine from others as well as relate to the winemaking process. Read More ==>

It made perfect sense that I would run into Fredric Hermon - Sommelier at the alluringly re-established Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – at a different hotel, across town, for the introduction of Champagne Krug 1995 vintage release.
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